416 Bridgewater Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN CATS
What do my cat's kidneys do?
The kidneys have many functions. They principally act to remove waste products from the blood stream, retain essential
nutrients such potassium at the correct level, maintain hydration and produce urine.
What is chronic kidney failure?
The kidneys have a large amount of spare capacity to perform their various functions so at least 70% of
the kidneys need to be dysfunctional before clinical signs are seen. In many cases this means that the
damage to the kidneys has been occurring over a number of months or years (chronic) before failure is
evident. Chronic kidney failure, also called chronic renal failure (CRF), is most commonly seen in
older cats (10% of cases occur in cats less than 3 years old). Early signs of disease such as weight loss
and poor coat quality are often dismissed as normal aging changes. In the initial stages of kidney
disease, the kidneys cope with their inability to concentrate waste products by excreting them at a
lower concentration over a larger volume. This is known as compensated renal failure. After approximately 70% of the
kidney tissues are destroyed, there is a rapid rise in waste products in the bloodstream and an apparent sudden onset of
severe disease.
What are the causes of CRF?
A large number of different disease processes can eventually lead to CRF including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Congenital malformations of the kidneys - e.g. polycystic kidneys in long haired cats
Bacterial kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
Glomerulonephritis - damage to the filtration membrane
Cancer - various tumors of the kidney, most commonly lymphosarcoma
Amyloidosis - this is the build-up of an unusual protein in the kidney that prevents the kidney from functioning
normally
6. Viral infections such as feline leukemia virus or feline infectious peritonitis virus.
CRF is the end stage of a number of different disease processes rather than a specific condition in its own right.
How is the disease diagnosed?
Renal failure is usually diagnosed by looking at the level of two waste products in the bloodstream, blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) and creatinine and the urine specific gravity (USpG). Tests to measure the blood levels of other substances e.g.
potassium, phosphorus and calcium as well as the red and white blood cell counts can also be important in order to
determine the best course of treatment.
Could the renal failure have been diagnosed earlier?
Unfortunately, this is very difficult because neither clinical signs of renal failure nor rises in BUN and creatinine are
evident until significant loss of kidney function has occurred. In earlier stages of disease there are no clinical signs to
416 Bridgewater Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 899-3644
indicate that sophisticated renal function tests, which can pick up early renal damage, are required. We recommend that all
senior pets have periodic blood work with or without a urinalysis.
How does CRF affect my cat?
Because the kidneys perform a variety of different functions, the clinical signs of
renal failure can be somewhat variable. The most common changes seen are weight
loss, poor hair coat, bad breath, lethargy, change in appetite, increased water
consumption, increased urination. Some cats may have vomiting and diarrhea and
sudden onset blindness.
What treatments are available?
Depending on the results of blood tests your veterinarian may be faced with several problems that require different
treatments. Don't worry if the list below seems so long that you will never be able to administer all of the medications.
The majority of cats can be effectively managed with diet change including supplementation and one or two other
treatments.
1. Kidney Friendly Diets – These diets work in a few different ways. Kidney diets are low in protein and phosphorus
which lowers the amount of waste products in the bloodstream. Although kidney diets are made in both canned and
dry formula, we prefer the canned varieties, since this adds more water to your cat’s diet, which is helpful to the
kidneys. These diets are only by prescription.
2. Phosphate Binders - Despite low phosphate in the diet, blood phosphorus levels remain above normal in some cats.
Reducing blood phosphorus can have a major effect on improving your cat's well being and slowing disease
progression. Phosphate binders are given by mouth to further lower the amount of phosphorus absorbed through the
gut wall.
3. Fluid Therapy – Fluid therapy is not always necessary at the time of diagnosis of CRF, however it is the best
treatment for the advanced stages of CRF. Cats in kidney failure need their hydration level boosted, because they
remain dehydrated no matter how much water they drink. Fluid therapy helps the flush out the toxins building up in
the body, which will make your cat feel better.
4. Anti-emetics & Acid-blockers - These medications are helpful for cats who will not eat or are vomiting.
5. Hypotensive Drugs - Many cats with kidney failure will develop high blood pressure. In some cases lowering their
blood pressure may be necessary.
6. Treatment of Anemia - The kidneys also initiate the production of red blood cell in the bone marrow. Many cats with
CRF are anemic due to a lack of stimulation of the bone marrow. Newer drugs have been developed to help stimulate
bone marrow production and may be prescribed for your cat.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT FRESH WATER IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES BECAUSE CATS WITH RENAL
FAILURE TEND TO DEHYDRATE RAPIDLY.
How long can I expect my cat to live?
Unfortunately, once the kidneys are damaged, they have very limited ability to recover. Most CRF advance very
slowly. With treatment, your cat may have several years of good quality, active life ahead.
This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM.
© Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. February 13, 2016.